What we see on our Maine road-less-traveled walks

In the midst of rapidly changing directives surrounding the cononavirus response, more people are taking walks around the roads less traveled — or even the roads well traveled. Avoiding frost heaves and the occasional pothole, there are bound to be views one doesn’t see or note while driving or even biking. Also, trying to find a place away from traffic can be challenging, but not if you can visit the place we’re describing here.

This state park — covering 2,345 acres — provides year-round activities, including hiking, biking, snowmobiling and ATV trail riding. Maine’s fifth largest state park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset daily.

In addition to the extensive trail network, the park offers scenic outlooks, wildlife, historical remains and trail variations catering to all hikers. Trails are labeled easy, moderate and advanced, ranging from dirt/forest floor, gravel/crushed stone and rock/ledge. Pets are permitted on leash.

Readers, can you guess where this is?

In the top photo, the view is looking south on the Androscoggin River. Some anglers have said this stretch of river yields some of the best pike fishing in Maine.

The view north east. Most of the access is by canoe or kayak because the water is shallow in this area.
A peaceful spot where the river water sneaks into a deep jag in the shoreline.
Some of the main trails are gravel; others are covered with forest debris like these golden pine needles. One forested trail snakes through (below).

Though not abundant, there are a few covered picnic tables; one on the shore shown here, and several others on multiple islands south of this location.

ANSWER: The Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner was founded in 1989 as an early acquisition by the Lands for Maine’s Future. The main entrance and parking lot on the northern end opens onto Center Bridge Road; there is a smaller, four-to-six vehicle parking lot entrance behind Twitchell’s Airport on Route 4 at the southern end of the park on Conant Road.
The park — one segment of a large parcel including the Androscoggin Greenway and Androscoggin River Water Trail — features 12 miles of river frontage. Ten miles of hiking trails are available, including several loop options. There are multiple scenic outlooks and picnic areas along the river. Visitors on foot, bicycle, ATV or horses can enjoy 12 miles of multi-use trail and an additional 10 miles of foot trails; not all trails are open to all uses.

(Linda Galway photos)